Katuna Border

Katuna also known as Gatuna in Kinyarwanda is a boarder found in Uganda and Rwanda. The border town on the Rwandan side is called Gatuna while on the Ugandan side it’s known as Katuna. This boarder is mostly used for imports and exports of Rwanda and Uganda making it Rwanda’s busiest border. The boarder is open 24 hours a day.

Katuna town

Katuna settlement is found in Kamuganguzi sub region in Ndorwa County, the border is about 15 minute drive from Kabale. According to history in 1600AD, the Bakiga people believe that their ancestor migrated from Rwanda coming to the hills of Rwanyena and Kagarama but feared to cross the big Lake Bunyonyi, so they discovered a shortcut along the plain where they rested and called the place Gatuna for resting.

Gatuna town

Gatuna town is found in Gichumbi district of Rwanda approximately an hour’s drive from Kigali the capital of Rwanda with a population estimated to be about 41, 000 people.

Areas of interests near Katuna border

Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi also known as Lake of little birds is also located near Katuna border, the lake is an ideal place for relaxation after gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa and consists of 29 islands including Punishment Island where pregnant un married girls would be taken and left to die.

You can explore the Lakes flora and fauna by taking a local dugout canoe or hike to the top of the world hill where you will have panoramic views of other islands, some of the birds found in lake Bunyonyi include; yellow warbler, papyrus gonolek, pied wagtail, malachite kingfisher, black headed weaver, speckled mouse bird, fan tailed widow bird, pin tailed whydah, streaky seed eater, cinnamon chested bee eater, golden backed weaver, great cormorant, grey shrike, bronzy sun bird, swamp fly catcher and grey crowned crested crane among the rest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the park has got 15 habituated mountain gorilla families with eight permits available for each group daily, one hour is given to tourists for observation of mountain gorillas after finding the great apes. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park also offers gorilla habituation experience at $1500 per person, gorilla trekking costs $600 per person in Uganda.

Ihimba hot springs

Ihimba hot springs are found along Kabale-Katuna border, the locals believe that the springs have divine powers that heal several ailments like backache, rheumatism, measles, scabies and so much more. The springs derive their name from the local Bahima people living in the area, there various bird species within the springs like bare faced go away bird and fishing eagles.

How to reach Katuna border

Katuna border can be reached within 8-9 hours from Kampala the capital of Uganda and it can also be accessed within 4-5 hours from Kigali the capital of Rwanda.